The Case of Atatürk Reforms in Early Turkish Republic Between 1923-1946 From an Educational Perspective

Abstract

This paper seeks to develop a clear picture of what was planned and achieved under Atatürk’s leadership in Early Turkish Republic. The institutions implemented during the Reform Period have been assessed on one level; and on a parallel level, Educational Reforms that were carried out in a concerted fashion have been analyzed. Education was apparently at the heart of all reforms. This paper argues that the primary rationale of all reforms under Atatürk’s leadership was as follows: If the people had been educated and empowered, they would have been able to protect democratic institutions and, consequently, their democratic rights. This paper will further discuss whether New Republican Institutions were conducive to development and welfare of the society from the perspective of Domestic Institutions under the theory developed by Daron Acemoğlu and James Robinson.